Exploring speech pathology services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples post stroke: a qualitative case study

Purpose To explore how speech pathology services are delivered for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults with acquired communication disorders (ACD) in hospital.Methods A qualitative instrumental case study design, informed by culturally responsive principles, was employed. Multiple data collection methods were used including medical record review, participant observation, interview, focus group, and reflective diaries. Data were analysed collectively using qualitative content analysis.Results Two Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stroke patients and four speech pathologists (SPs), including an Australian Aboriginal SP, participated. Data analysis revealed five categories: (a) finding out about patients’ cultures and backgrounds, (b) speech pathologists’ perspectives of collaborating with Indigenous Health Liaison Officers, (c) Aboriginal SP helping patients and non-Indigenous SPs, (d) building rapport, and (e) assessment and rehabilitation approaches and experiences.Conclusions To facilitate a culturally safe environment, speech pathologists should prioritise development of rapport with patients, collaborate with Indigenous Health Liaison Officers, and ensure ACD assessment and rehabilitation approaches are personally relevant and culturally appropriate. Findings emphasised the need for speech pathologists to build cultural capabilities and for health services to explore opportunities to increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health professionals.